Interview with Amy Metz. Author of Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction

Book Description from Amazon:

When Tess Tremaine starts a new life in the colorful town of Goose Pimple Junction, curiosity leads her to look into a seventy-five-year-old murder. Suddenly she’s learning the foreign language of southern speak, resisting her attraction to local celebrity Jackson Wright, and dealing with more mayhem than she can handle.

A bank robbery, murder, and family tragedy from the 1930s are pieces of the mystery that Tess attempts to solve. As she gets close to the truth, she encounters danger, mystery, a lot of southern charm, and a new temptation for which she’s not sure she’s ready.

What inspired you to start writing, and when?

I started writing five years ago after my mother was diagnosed with dementia. Our relationship was always rocky, but it became contentious with my new role as her caretaker. It was so stressful, I decided to write a book about it. Writing was therapeutic, but living it and going home and writing about it kind of immersed me in stress. So I began writing a humorous mystery because of my need to escape and my need to laugh. I’d always thought someone should write about the murders of two family members in the 1930s, so I used those tragedies as the basis for the book.

How many books have you written?  If more than one, are any a series…or trilogy?

I’ve written the second book in the Goose Pimple Junction series, and part of book three, as well as a novelette that’s intended to go in between books 1 and 2. I hope to have the novelette and the second book out in a few months. I also finished the book about my mother and am thinking about publishing it.

Tell us a little about your book.

While the book is fiction, like I said, the 1930s portion of it actually happened to members of my family. I grew up hearing the stories of my great uncle’s and my great-grandmother’s murders – one of those being unsolved. So my characters solve it in the book—fictionally, of course. I just want to note that while the events actually happened, the characters in the book are not anything like my family members.

Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants?

Both. Murder & Mayhem was written by the seat of my pants. I sat down at the laptop and the characters told me what to write. With the other books, it’s been a little of both. Rough outlines, but then just seeing where the story and characters take me.

Did you have an editor edit your books?

Yes. It’s like the saying about being your own lawyer—a lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client. If you write a book, editors and proofreaders are essential. I don’t care how many times you may go over a manuscript, there are always things you miss. A lot of things. You can’t (or shouldn’t) publish without hiring an editor, and right before you have the book formatted, a proofreader is advisable.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

If I had to choose, I’d pick hardcover. But I always have an ebook with me so I can read when I’m out somewhere and have time to kill. I read paperback and hardcover at home, and I listen to audiobooks in the car and at home when I’m puttering around.

Do you find yourself intrigued by the cover of a book enough to buy it? 
I’ve only done that once. I love the cover of Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, and I bought it but still haven’t read it. Still love the cover though.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

Rarely. Only when I wake up in the middle of the night and can’t sleep.

You are trapped on a tropical island - who would you like to be stranded with?

Someone who would make me laugh. It would help if he were handy too, so he could get us off the island. While I’m dreaming, I’d like him to be a good cook. A good-looking, witty, handyman/chef would be ideal.

Pick one - Wine, Chocolate or shoes?
Oooooooh. Hard one. I think I’d have to go with chocolate.

Cats or dogs?

Not to slight my grandcats at all, but I do love dogs just a little bit more. Don’t tell Rupert and Pandora.

What is your favorite food and beverage?

If I had to choose one food, it would be salad. Really. With sweet tea. And pie. Gotta have pie.

How many hours per day do you try to devote to research and writing?

In the past, I’ve written whenever mom duty didn’t call. If I was awake, conscious, and alone, I was at my computer. But my youngest son is leaving for college in a week, so I have a feeling I’ll be writing or marketing 18/7.

What are 3 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?

Lipstick, my glasses, and sunglasses.

Laptop or desktop for writing?

Laptop. Pretty soon they’re going to have to surgically remove it from me.

Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad.

Who was it who said they didn’t read reviews because if they believed the good ones they’d have to believe the bad ones? Well, they’re stronger than I am, because I still read reviews, but I kind of agree with their logic. Having said that, I think people can be incredibly cruel, and I just don’t see the point. Constructive criticism is fine, and I don’t expect everyone to like my book. But mean people suck.

List 3 of your favorite movies?

Princess Bride, Pride & Prejudice, and My Cousin Vinny.

What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed?

My daughter-in-law turned me onto the TV show Scandal, and I binge-watched all the episodes. Love that show!

Where can your readers stalk you?

On my website: http://amymetz.com, my blog: http://abluemillionbooks.blogspot.com, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmyMetz, Twitter: https://twitter.com/authoramymetz,

and on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6436458.Amy_Metz.

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

Both.

Do you give free ebooks away in exchange for honest reviews?
Absolutely!

You can buy the book on Amazon - HERE

About the Author:

Amy Metz is the author of the Goose Pimple Junction mystery series. She is a former first grade teacher, and the mother of two sons. When not in Goose Pimple Junction, actively engaged in writing, enjoying her family, or surfing Facebook or Pinterest, Amy can usually be found with a mixing spoon, camera, or book in one hand and a glass of sweet tea in the other. Amy lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

Editorial Review

"Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction" has southern charm, southern humor, mystery, danger and a cast of characters with personality. Amy Metz goes ... from the 1930s to 2011 without confusion. Metz has loaded the book with southern speak that takes a little getting used to but adds charm and reality to the story. The story will keep you guessing ... as to who the bad guys are, right up to the surprise conclusion. ... a funny, southern style mystery that no one should pass up. This is a good book and Amy Metz has given us a winner.
- Trudi LoPreto, Readers' Favorite.

Patti: Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world.  I hope you share this interview with your friends so we can all get to know you a little better. 

Amy: Thank you so much for having me, Patti!

Patti Roberts

Author/Book cover designer and book formatting - ebook and print.